The Battle of Hunayn stands among the most intense and perilous confrontations in the early history of Islam — a battle in which the very life of the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) was placed in grave danger. In that moment of chaos and fear, Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him) stood as the Prophet’s shield, defending him with unmatched courage and unwavering devotion.
As in every battle of early Islam, the Commander of the Faithful, peace be upon him, distinguished himself as the strongest warrior, the firmest defender, and the closest companion to the Messenger of God.
Prelude to the Battle
The Battle of Hunayn took place in the month of Shawwal, in the eighth year after Hijrah. News reached the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) that the tribes of Hawazin and their allies had gathered in the valley of Hunayn, preparing to confront the Muslims.
In response, the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) led a vast army of nearly twelve thousand warriors — a force larger than any the Muslims had ever fielded before. The banner of the Muhajirin (the Emigrants) was placed in the hands of Imam Ali (peace be upon him), while other standards were distributed among the tribal chiefs and commanders.
The Early Ambush and the Trial of Fear
According to Jabir ibn Abdillah al-Ansari,
“When we descended into the valley of Hunayn at the break of dawn, we found ourselves in a deep gorge. The enemy had already occupied the surrounding cliffs and narrow passes, lying in ambush, fully armed. Suddenly, they charged upon us with fierce intensity. The Muslims were struck by surprise; many fell, and the ranks scattered in retreat, until only a few of the Muhajirin, the Anṣar, and the Bani-Hashim remained beside the Messenger of God (peace be upon him and his family).”
The companions who endured that moment agreed that Imam Ali (peace be upon him) and the men of Bani-Hashim did not retreat. In the midst of confusion and fear, Imam Ali (peace be upon him) advanced with the Prophet’s banner, striking down the attackers and shielding the Messenger of God from every direction. None could approach the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) except that they were met by the sword of imam Ali (peace be upon him).
The Moment of Divine Bravery
Among the enemy ranks stood a fierce warrior from Hawazin, mounted on a red camel and holding a black standard, rallying his men. As he began to charge, Imam Ali (peace be upon him) swiftly advanced, struck him down, and silenced his cry of defiance. His fall caused disorder among the enemy, turning their offensive into confusion.
It is recorded that in this battle alone, Imam Ali (peace be upon him) slew forty of the opposing warriors, breaking the heart of their formation and turning the tide of battle.
The Prophet’s Call and the Return of the Ansar
As the Muslim ranks faltered under the initial ambush, the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) called out to his uncle al-Abbas:
“Call the Ansar!”
Al-Abbas raised his mighty voice, crying:
“O Ansar! O companions of the Tree! O people of Surat al-Baqarah!”
Hearing his call, the scattered soldiers rushed back like mother camels returning to their young. They surrounded the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family), proclaiming “Labbayk!” and charging once again into battle.
At that moment, the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) surveyed the field and declared:
“Now the battle has truly begun! I am the Prophet — this is no false claim. I am the son of Abd al-Muttalib.”
Then, taking a handful of dust, he cast it toward the enemy, and by God’s will, confusion seized their hearts. Their lines broke, and the Quraysh and Hawazin were driven into flight.
The Triumph and the Aftermath
The Muslims regained the field through divine aid and the valor of the faithful. Among the martyrs were Ayman ibn Umm Ayman, Yazid ibn Zamah ibn al-Aswad, and others who gave their lives beside the Prophet.
In this battle, as in every moment of hardship, Imam Ali (peace be upon him) stood at the center of courage and loyalty — defending the Prophet’s life when others faltered, and embodying the divine promise:
“Of the believers are men who have been true (This verse appoints Imam Ali, Amir al-Muminin) to their covenant with God; some of them have fulfilled their vow, and some still await, but they have never changed in the least.”
(Qur’an 33:23)
The Battle of Hunayn remains an everlasting testament to the faith, strength, and devotion of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) — the sword of truth that guarded the Messenger of God and upheld the victory of Islam.